Egyptian Archaeologist Calls on Berlin to Return Nefertiti Bust

The bust of Queen Nefertiti, Berlin, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
The bust of Queen Nefertiti, Berlin, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Egyptian Archaeologist Calls on Berlin to Return Nefertiti Bust

The bust of Queen Nefertiti, Berlin, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
The bust of Queen Nefertiti, Berlin, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Prominent Egyptian archaeologist and former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass has launched a petition for the return to Egypt of the pharaonic bust of Queen Nefertiti from the Neues Museum in Berlin.

Nefertiti's famous painted limestone bust was uncovered at Tell el-Amarna, around 300 km (185 miles) south of Cairo, in 1912 by a German archaeological mission, which shipped it to Berlin the following year.

Amarna was the short-lived capital of Nefertiti's husband, the 18th dynasty Pharaoh Akhenaten, who reigned until about 1335 B.C.

Akhenaten, called the heretic king, was notorious for promoting the worship of the god Aten to the exclusion of Egypt's other gods. His reign also introduced a radical change in Egyptian art.

In his petition launched on Saturday, Hawass asked for the return of the bust, saying it was removed from Egypt illegally after its discovery, Reuters reported.

"We announce today that Egypt - this is the national committee, it is not a government committee - asks for the return of the bust of Nefertiti," Hawass said.

"What I need from everyone here is to go to my website... hawasszahi.com, and you will sign, one signature, to show that you would love for this bust to come back."

Hawass said he is not calling for the repatriation of artefacts taken out of Egypt legally. His campaign is focused on repatriating "three main beautiful objects" including the bust of Nefertiti, the Rosetta Stone and the Dendera Zodiac.



Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
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Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, following a recommendation from the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

In a recent statement, UNESCO highlighted the Moroccan capital's commitment to fostering the book industry and encouraging reading through its 54 publishing houses; it also hosts Africa's third-largest international book fair.

Rabat aims to come up with various initiatives to improve access to books, bolster the local publishing sector, and advance literacy among all age groups and demographics, both nationally and internationally.

The statement added that the celebrations are set to commence on April 23, 2026, coinciding with the World Book and Copyright Day.